Wherever you are in Cornwall, you’re never more than about 20 miles from the sea. Is there anything better for your mental health than gazing out to the horizon and inhaling the ocean air into your lungs? We truly are spoilt for choice for stunning sunset spots in Cornwall – these are just some of my favourites.

1. Perranporth

A fair few years ago, I lived in a house-share in Goonhavern, just up the road from the gorgeous seaside town of Perranporth. Many evenings after work, I would head down for a beach walk, a pint at the Watering Hole or a stroll across the sand dunes.

Perranporth is also home to one of my favourite Cornish festivals: Tunes in the Dunes. I remember one year I attended – the year when Morcheeba performed – the sunset was just incredible. Listening to Morcheeba singing, “I left my soul there, down by the sea…” really hit different, as the sun slowly set behind the stage.

There’s something so mesmerising about watching the sun sink down towards the ocean, eventually disappearing behind the horizon and leaving behind a pink and gold afterglow. It really is spectacular at any time of year. Although I have to drive a bit further to reach this part of the north coast from where I live now, Perranporth remains one of my favourite sunset-watching-spots.

2. Hayle

Another Cornish town I lived in for a while is Hayle. Like Perranporth, Hayle is very close to my heart and will always feel a bit like home. Situated on the Hayle estuary and overlooking St Ives Bay, Hayle is a captivating Cornish town, famous for its Philps pasties, three miles of golden sand and idyllic coastal views.

In the summer months, I enjoyed sipping on a drink outside The Bluff, admiring the sunset views. Sundowner strolls became a regular evening activity of mine; I could often be found meandering along the coast path or perched on the dunes, feeling incredibly lucky to have such enchanting views on my doorstep.

3. Porthtowan

Since childhood, Porthtowan has been a favourite beach of mine. I have many happy memories of bodyboarding with my dad and my sister, family picnics on the beach and enjoying a disposable barbecue with friends. This beach definitely holds a special place in my heart.

Overlooking the beach, the Blue Bar is the perfect sunset-chasing location. I have enjoyed many a drink from one of their window seats on cool evenings, or on one of the picnic benches outside during warm, summer nights. It’s one of the views I know I’ll never tire of.

4. Mullion

Whenever we go camping on the Lizard Peninsula, Mullion is the place to head to for a sunset. Surrounded by some of my favourite parts of the south west coast path, Mullion is a picture-perfect Cornish fishing village, full of character and charm.

To enjoy the sunset, it’s best to walk to the edge of the pier, or better still, be elevated above the sea on the cliff path. A couple of years ago, we decided to take our camping stove and some supplies onto the clifftop, so we could cook up a delicious feast, whilst enjoying the views. Somewhere near the Mullion Cove Hotel is the perfect spot to watch the sun going down.

5. Little Fistral

Newquay is renowned for being a place to enjoy sunsets. Take your pick between Holywell Bay, Fistral, Watergate Bay or Mawgan Porth – you won’t be disappointed. During covid and whilst we were saving up to buy our first home, we lived with my partner’s parents on the outskirts of Newquay. Now that we live closer to the south coast, I do miss how accessible the sunsets were; if we fancied a last-minute trip to the beach, we could be there in minutes.

One of our favourite sunset spots became Little Fistral. It’s small enough and tucked away enough to avoid the crowds of tourists who flock to Newquay, but the views are just as good as any of the other nearby beaches and coves. Enjoying a sunset here also reminds us of our old dog, Buddy, who we will always miss dearly.

6. Carne

The south coast might not be famous for its sunset spots, but sometimes the falling light can create spectacular colour displays in the sky. Now living in Probus, Carne, on the Roseland Peninsula is one of our closest beaches.

When the tide is out, you can walk across the sand, all the way to Pendower. We’ve enjoyed many a winter walk here and, of course, it’s a popular sunbathing and swimming spot in the summer. Our dog, Blue, adores his beach runs at Carne. He will take a dip in the water at any time of year, but I stick to the summer months, despite my Cornish skin!

7. West Pentire

Situated above Crantock beach, the clifftop view at West Pentire is unrivalled. In late Spring and early Summer, this coastal walk is the go-to place for poppies; the fields come to life with splashes of vibrant red. Nearby Polly Joke is also a popular seal-watching spot.

West Pentire is a great location for a coastal walk at any time of day and in any season. Timed to finish with a sunset is simply the cherry on the cake. Pack a picnic, a flask and a rug, so you can lay back and enjoy nature’s spellbinding display.

There are so many places to enjoy a stunning sunset in Cornwall. Where is your favourite spot for a sundowner over the sea?